USJC Members Commemorate "Fred Korematsu Day"

Several USJC members were instrumental in recognizing "Fred Korematsu Day" (January 30, which would have been Mr. Korematsu's 99th birthday this year) in their communities.

Mr. Korematsu was a civil rights activist who fought against Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of Japanese and Japanese Americans in the United States during World War II. Several states recognize January 30 as "Fred Korematsu Day," which is the first such commemoration for an Asian American in the United States. (Google also honored him with aGoogle Doodlelast year, which was widely shared.)

This year, New York City held its inaugural celebration. Last December, the New York City Council passed a resolution to establish January 30th as an annual observance. Speakers at the event included Council Leader Julie Azuma (who is a Founding Member of the New York Day of Remembrance Committee) and Karen Korematsu, Founder and Executive Director of theFred T. Korematsu Institute. Several USJC members attended, including those who are affiliated with Japanese American organizations that co-sponsored the event. (Clickhereto read the announcement by JapanCulture-NYC.com (run by Council Leader Susan Hamaker) andhereto read a post inThe New York Times.)

Separately, Council Leader Ken Russell, who is Commissioner of the City of Miami,issued a proclamationthat January 30th would be Fred Korematsu Day in Miami (pictured in the screenshot below with Council Leader Jose Fuentes (right of Mr. Russell)).